FSU, FAMU Receive $3 Million Grant Aimed at Growing IT Fields

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Kindergarten students, elementary through high school students, even college students will benefit thanks to a $3 million state grant.

The grant was presented to Florida State University and Florida A&M University today by the board of Governors. It was created to adhere to the state's growing technological work force.

"As we look at the Florida economy we want to attract all industry segments but especially those jobs that will pay high wages and be in high demand," said Jesse Panuccio of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity. "And that is STEM jobs and especially computer information and technology."

FSU and FAMU will work together to increase the number of students graduation in computer technology fields.

"We want to increase the number of internship opportunities available to the students and also develop partnerships that will allow our graduates to be aware of more of the career opportunities available in Florida," said Dr. Maurice Edington, Dean of the College of Science and Technology at FAMU.

Another main goal as the result of this grant is recruiting students to attend these universities to major in these computer technology fields.

"We are engaging in university ambassadors for high schools, community colleges and elementary school students. In the process we are exposing all wide range opportunities and excitement of computing in IT fields."

The two universities hope to graduate a combined total of 2,600 students with STEM degrees by the spring semester.

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